Day trip: 5 reasons to love Florida's Myakka River State Park

Julio Poletti @juliopoletti

Friday

Nov 2, 2018 at 11:50 AMNov 2, 2018 at 12:40 PM

Visiting a Florida state park is the perfect relaxing getaway.

For this nature-loving, day trip I chose Myakka River State Park in Sarasota County on the west side of Florida. As you enter the park’s dense woods you’ll notice the peaceful silence. Enjoy a quiet break from your buzzing phone and apps because the signal is low inside the park.

Myakka River State Park is one of Florida’s largest and most diverse parks with more than 37,000 acres of nature. That’s freaking huge!

The park is home to vast prairies, Spanish moss covered trees, hammocks and lots of wildlife. Plus there are more than 55 square miles of wetlands. This place is ideal for gator sightings, bird watching, canoeing and more. It also has the first public treetop trail built in North America. Seriously, the list of activities to do here are endless.

If you are planning a visit, here are things to know before you go:

What to bring: Bring Ipods, saved songs on your phone or yes, CDs.

Screenshot the GPS directions or bring a map.

Bring a spare tire and make sure you have a full tank of gas.

How to get there: The park is located off of SR 72, approximately 15 miles east of Sarasota. If you’re coming from West Palm Beach, it’s worth stopping at Okeechobee Lake. Sunsets are amazing here. #Nofilter

Plan your stay: Here are a few options: Book a room in Sarasota. Or if you really want a nature retreat, rent a cabin or camp out at Myakka River State Park. Details are at the end of this article.

Let’s get this trip going!

5 reasons to visit Myakka River State Park

ANIMALS ROAM FREELY

I saw lots of deer on the side of the main road and by the Myakka River. I also saw a wild pig, bald eagles, lots of alligators and all types of wading birds, raptors and songbirds. The park is known for rare birds only seen in Florida, like the Roseate Spoonbill.

From November through April, there’s a Bird Naturalist on site. But check with the ranger station ahead of your visit to see if one is available. Call 941-361-6511 for more information.

NATURE TRAILS FOR ALMOST EVERY ACTIVITY

The park has many different types of trails. There are paved roads that are ideal for biking, skating or anything on wheels. The backcountry dirt roads, north of State Road 72, are ideal for dirt bikes. Expect all kinds of terrain here, sandy, muddy, or dug up. Plus there are equestrian trails too for horseback riding.

Because Florida is nasty hot and humid in the summer, it’s recommended to explore the trails during late fall, winter or early spring. Be aware that summer storms also flood the trails and bring bug spray, insects can be abundant year round.

A TREETOP TRAIL

The tree-top canopy walkway is suspended between two wooden structures. [JULIO POLETTI/palmbeachpost.com]

This tree-top canopy walkway is not really a trail. It’s 25 feet above ground, and stretches about 100 feet. It’s still pretty awesome. The walkway is suspended between two wooden structures. When it was built in 2000, it became the first public canopy walk in North America. It was modeled after ones used by scientists in the rainforests of South America to study organisms that live up on the trees.

At the end of the walkway, soars the 74-plus feet tower which overlooks the entire Myakka River State Park.

BOATING TOUR & WATER ACTIVITIES

Note: Do not plan to swim in the river or any patch of water here as this is alligator haven. However, it’s a perfect place for kayaking, canoeing and paddleboarding. Bring your own vessel or rent at the park.

Boat Tours

The airboat tours have been suspended at the park, but you can catch a pontoon boat tour on the Upper Myakka Lake.

There are more than 80 campsites in the park offering primitive camping, tents, RVs and cabins. Some allow pets! There are also several picnic areas and hammock camping sites available. Some campsites provide electricity, bathrooms, laundry facilities, sewer hook-ups and other amenities.

Reservations may be made up to 11 months in advance through ReserveAmerica. Book online or call 800- 326-3521. Call the ranger station at 941-361-6511 for primitive camping information.